Tech Forum

Since I've been clerk, I've noticed that most all the members that have come into our ward are displayed everywhere, almost, with their full names - middle names are shown on mailing labels, at LDS.org, etc. The members listed before I became clerk do not show middle names. Is this as simple as when I receive new records, or request them, I should edit out the middle names? I can't find any settings for this, so it would seem my only option would be to go into the individual member screen and edit out middle names. I haven't done that yet, with concern that it would somehow fill upward to Church HQ? Any guidance here?

I assume you're editing the "preferred name", not the full name.

I'm not sure if preferred name transfers when the record moves.

russellhltn wrote:I'm not sure if preferred name transfers when the record moves.

The two times I have moved in the past three years my preferred name moved with my records.

christeanaa wrote:...so it would seem my only option would be to go into the individual member screen and edit out middle names.

How would you know a member doesn't wish to be called by their middle name, or a variation of their name, e.g., "Rob" "Robbie" "Bob" "Bert" etc. for "Robert"? I wouldn't arbitrarily change a Preferred Name entry unless you actually know what a member prefers.

christeanaa wrote:Since I've been clerk, I've noticed that most all the members that have come into our ward are displayed everywhere, almost, with their full names - middle names are shown on mailing labels, at LDS.org, etc. The members listed before I became clerk do not show middle names. Is this as simple as when I receive new records, or request them, I should edit out the middle names? I can't find any settings for this, so it would seem my only option would be to go into the individual member screen and edit out middle names. I haven't done that yet, with concern that it would somehow fill upward to Church HQ? Any guidance here?

The "preferred name" can be edited by the clerk and from what I understand it transfers with the records. But make sure you don't edit their actual full name unless there really is an error of some sort.

When a member moves in, you can ask them what they would like their name to appear as on the LDS.org directory – give them a few suggestions, like with no middle name, with just a middle initial, or with a name other than their first name... It is nice to be somewhat standardized for the directory but make sure it really is the member's preferred name.